Is Driving Over A Non-Dropped Kerb Illegal?
By
HuutiMoney
If you are wondering whether or not driving over a non-dropped kerb is illegal, you will be able to find the answer to your question in the following blog post. In addition to this, we will also discuss the consequences of not having a dropped kerb as well as the necessary steps for you to take if you need to have one built in order to access your driveway.
Is Driving Over A Non-Dropped Kerb Illegal?
Yes, driving over a non-dropped kerb is illegal according to The Highway Code of the Department for Transport in the UK. There have been instances where homeowners have been fined for driving over a non-dropped kerb to park (or take out) their vehicle. This fine can be up to £1,000.
The law requires you to have a dropped kerb when you intend to use your driveway to park a vehicle; otherwise, you will need to park on the street adjacent to your house.
Driving over a non-dropped kerb can cause damage to the pavement and can also be a cause of danger to the driver, other vehicles and pedestrians. This is the reason why it is illegal to drive over a non-dropped kerb.
Homeowners are required to build a dropped kerb by having the pavement flattened to meet the level of the road. This can not only enable residents to drive their vehicles in and out of the driveway easily but will also prevent damage to the pavement or danger to others.
According to an article that appeared in Express, a homeowner was issued a letter from the council to construct a dropped kerb to access her driveway. She missed the letter and failed to comply with the Highway Act.
Due to this, she could be fined £1,000 for being in contravention of a road law as well as for the council having to build the dropped kerb to maintain safety standards as well as abide by the Highway Act.
What Is The Cost Of Building A Dropped Kerb?
The cost of building a dropped kerb mainly depends on the following key factors:
- the area of the footpath that will be used to access the driveway
- whether or not there are any Utility Boxes, Grass Verges, or Lighting Columns placed on the pavement
Based on these factors, the cost of building a dropped kerb can vary from council to council; depending on the nature and extent of work involved. However, it usually ranges between £1,500 and £3,000. In addition to this, there may be additional costs including the license fee and consult charges of a contractor.
You may also be charged a fee of £600 for tree removal and around £3,000 for the removal of road signs or bus stops; if applicable.
Do You Need The Council’s Permission To Build A Dropped Kerb?
Yes, you need permission from your local council office to build a dropped kerb. Failure to attain their permission can land you facing a penalty of £1,000.
In most cases, you will also need Planning Permission and approval from the Highway Authority to build a dropped kerb. These include the following:
- the road is listed as A, B or C
- the road is a trunk road or a principal road
- the building is a listed one
- the property is in a conservation area
- the property is a flat or a maisonette
- the property is a commercial or industrial building
However, you will not need Planning Permission in the following cases:
- the road is listed as unclassified
- it is a private road or a private street
When dropping a kerb in front of their driveway, residents are often advised that a kerb should ideally be 100 mm above the road surface and the work should be carried out by a contractor approved by the local council.